Dealing with Coworkers

mscurvydiva1920
mscurvydiva1920 Posts: 15
in Motivation and Support
I know this topic has probably been discussed before, but after several Google searches, I can't seem to find it.

I work in a department that is majority women...and the business I'm in is very image conscious. One particular co-worker always seems to find herself at my desk or standing next to me in the kitchen when I'm eating my meals...at first I thought nothing of it, but it's gotten increasingly obvious.

Today, my head was hurting really bad and I was really craving sugar. Eating a protein snack and having two bottles of water did nothing but aggravate it, so I ran to the vending machine and grabbed a small bag of cookies. Immediately when I came in and sat down, my co-worker appeared at my desk.

"What are you doing? Where did you go?" she said and started scanning my desk. She found the open bag of cookies and said, "Ooooh, naughty." I just kind of laughed it off and mentioned that she's always watching what I eat, but she didn't seem to take the hint.

What can I do about this? I feel like I'm under constant surveillance and I'm already really shy (I try my hardest to deflect attention to myself...I wear jeans and plain t-shirts, tennis shoes, minimum makeup, etc.).

I'd just like to be able to eat whatever I eat in peace :)

Thoughts?

Replies

  • Ketomaniac9
    Ketomaniac9 Posts: 108 Member
    wow thats really creepy.. tell her to leave you alone :)
  • apocalypsepwnie
    apocalypsepwnie Posts: 373
    I'd tell her I already have the app on my phone for that lol.

    But she's being very rude, sounds like someone who's a PITA all the time and would probably be a helicopter parent. Can't allow people to do things on their own.
    Or maybe she's trying to watch what you eat to emulate it. I hope it's not wanting you to fail.

    And the cookie comment. Pfft I'd also tell her to shove it. Naughty my butt. That's the sort of comment that... well you know where this goes.
  • mscurvydiva1920
    mscurvydiva1920 Posts: 15
    The thing that really sucks is that I'm the only overweight person in my department. I keep having this nagging thought that she is getting some type of thrill checking what the "fat" girl eats...
  • Maurice1966
    Maurice1966 Posts: 419 Member
    nothing more clever to say. Pity them for they know no better
  • cheerforsteelers
    cheerforsteelers Posts: 686 Member
    Next time she shows up at your desk while you're eating something, look over at her and say in a joking manner: Are you keeping track of what I eat or what? I'm not shy so I would say this and make a curious face at her.
  • blackcoffeeandcherrypie
    blackcoffeeandcherrypie Posts: 486 Member
    You could try turning the tables. Everytime you see her eating - shoot over there, observe what she's eating, make comments on it - watch her chew every mouthful. She's bound to notice it after a while and start making comments - which you can then turn round on her when she comes over to see what you're eating. Also, if you put her on the defensive, she might try to avoid you at eating times, so you can snack in private!
  • MooMooooo
    MooMooooo Posts: 306 Member
    Personally, I'd confront her.

    I would also be telling at least one other person what's happening.

    I'm pretty confrontational though. I kinda like fighting :)
  • Restybaby2012
    Restybaby2012 Posts: 568 Member
    GAK

    I work with a woman like that. She is always remarking how healthy I eat. She's even gone so far as to ask me if she can "try that". O ne of her worst remarks was when I had several fruits and vegies on my desk. She walked up...saw the stuff.......COUNTED HOW MANY then blatantly asked "Are you gonna eat ALL that today?" I told her no, I just sat it there so I could watch it spoil faster.

    Some people have no class....sounds like your co-worker. Seriously ask her though.........ask her if she's counting calories for you because if she is, she's messin up real bad. Id find a way to call her out that would make her think twice before doing it again
  • mscurvydiva1920
    mscurvydiva1920 Posts: 15
    GAK

    I work with a woman like that. She is always remarking how healthy I eat. She's even gone so far as to ask me if she can "try that". O ne of her worst remarks was when I had several fruits and vegies on my desk. She walked up...saw the stuff.......COUNTED HOW MANY then blatantly asked "Are you gonna eat ALL that today?" I told her no, I just sat it there so I could watch it spoil faster.

    Some people have no class....sounds like your co-worker. Seriously ask her though.........ask her if she's counting calories for you because if she is, she's messin up real bad. Id find a way to call her out that would make her think twice before doing it again

    Wow! She COUNTED? That's ridiculous. Yes, I'm going to start thinking of clever comebacks so I have an arsenal today when she inevitably stops by.
  • 1973CJ5
    1973CJ5 Posts: 41 Member
    You're at work, don't do or say anything to get yourself into any kind of trouble.

    Report it to HR, or your Supervisor and let them deal.
  • Erisad
    Erisad Posts: 1,580
    You're at work, don't do or say anything to get yourself into any kind of trouble.

    Report it to HR, or your Supervisor and let them deal.

    ^ This. As tempting as it is to say something, you can get yourself in an office drama nightmare. Let HR or the management handle it. I had a coworker constantly comment on my wardrobe and my eating habits, "You were your clothes so biig. It makes you look bigger than you already are." "Should you be eating that?" I didn't do anything about it and honestly, I wish I had reported her.
  • evanpdixon
    evanpdixon Posts: 20 Member
    You're at work, don't do or say anything to get yourself into any kind of trouble.

    Report it to HR, or your Supervisor and let them deal.

    +1

    I study Organizational Communications and we talk about stuff like this all the time in my classes. Usually sexual/racial/religious harassment, but this isn't much different. A polite response isn't out of line, but don't risk your job by stooping to her level. If she doesn't respond well to your polite confrontation, simply report to HR. That's what it's for. DOCUMENT anytime something happens so you have a record to refer to. A simple note like "8/15 2:01pm - Jane Doe walks to my desk and makes a comment about my cookies"

    Good luck.
  • Restybaby2012
    Restybaby2012 Posts: 568 Member
    Awww mannnnnnn .........Evan you aint no fun at all man. :blushing:

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